GLWIB Member Corner

Susan de Mari
Title: Vice President of Marketing
Company: Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank
Website: www.lowellfive.com

About Member:

Susan attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s of Arts degree in Regional Economics and Social Development. Upon completing her education in 2000, Susan worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Campaign and Political Finance as an Auditor. In 2005, Susan began working for the City of Lowell as the Downtown Coordinator. She worked in this position for approximately two years when she was offered a position at Lowell Five as a Marketing Officer. Since beginning at Lowell Five, Susan has been promoted twice and now serves as the Vice President of Marketing.

Susan has served on the GLWIB for five years. She was very involved with the Young Professionals of Greater Lowell, serving on the Board of Directors and as President over the course of five years. She remains involved with the group. Susan also serves on Downtown Venture Fund Committee for the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation and is a corporator for the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club.

Company Description:

Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank was founded in 1854 and is the oldest financial institution in the City of Lowell. It was the first bank in Lowell to take a deposit of less than a dollar; five cents to be exact. This was particularly relevant to the times, because the average ‘Mill Worker’ in Lowell worked for less than a dollar a day. To this day, you can open an account at Lowell Five with just a nickel.

Today Lowell Five Cents Saving Banks has approximately $690 million in assets, 200 employees and 13 branches spreading across the Merrimack Valley, from Lowell to Haverhill. Lowell Five has played a significant role in economic development economic development of the region, maintaining a leadership role on several community boards and organizations.

Customers are important to Lowell Five. The Bank is not just a savings bank anymore. Lowell Five offers comprehensive services to individuals, families, and businesses, and then works closely with each customer to ensure their success. For instance, even in the toughest of times, not a single Lowell Five customer experienced mortgage foreclosure in 2010.

Lowell Five is a community bank whose employees serve on Boards and committees throughout the Merrimack Valley. “Community is at the heart of what we do” says Susan. The bank has many local partners like the Lowell Spinners, Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, and participates in many local events throughout the year.

Ongoing Projects:

The Lowell Five is committed to offering superior banking products with the latest in banking technology to simplify customer’s finances including mobile banking and online banking and bill pay.  Click here to learn more about Lowell Five’s latest banking options

The marketing department has embraced both social media and email marketing to connect with consumers. You can now follow Lowell Five on Facebook

In 2008 the Lowell Five, launched Keep It Local.  A rewards program encouraging Lowell Five customers to spend money with local merchants.  The first Friday and Saturday of each month, the Lowell Five rewards customers with 5% back when they use their debit card at over 120 local businesses.  The program has been successful in driving business to local merchants and serves as a model rewards program for banks throughout the country.  “We wanted to offer a service to local businesses that would truly support them,” Susan says.  “We’re proud of this program and what it is doing for the community.”